Phnom Penh's HOTTEST Hotel & Apartments: One Residence Awaits!
Phnom Penh's ONE RESIDENCE AWAITS! - A Review That's Honestly All Over the Place (and Maybe a Little Obsessed)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this review is going to be less polished diamond and more… well, a slightly tarnished, but ultimately glittering, piece of Phnom Penh gold. We're talking about One Residence, and let me tell you, I've spent more time pondering its merits (and, let's be real, its…quirks) than I'd care to admit. This place has got a hold of me.
First Impressions and Accessibility - Smooth…mostly.
Right off the bat, the lobby is slick. Like, seriously slick. Modern, airy, and thankfully, mostly accessible. Elevator? Check. Wheelchair accessibility? Yep, they've got that sorted (and I’m thrilled, because I'm no marathon runner, and the thought of stairs in this humidity makes me want to lie down). However… and there's always a however, isn't there? Navigating the hallways felt a smidge cramped, like a carefully choreographed dance of "excuse me, excuse me, sorry!" if you're with a suitcase or a wheelchair. But overall, accessibility gets a solid thumbs up.
The Room: My Little Sanctuary (and Occasional Source of Frustration)
Let's get real, the rooms are gorgeous. Seriously, the Air Conditioning is divine (a Cambodian necessity!), and the Blackout Curtains are a gift from the gods themselves. I'm talking deep, glorious sleep, uninterrupted by the relentless Phnom Penh sun. Free Wi-Fi is also a godsend, especially after a day exploring the temples (more on that later).
Now, for the imperfections. First world problems, I know, but here we go:
- Internet Access - LAN: Okay, so they say LAN access is available. I spent a solid hour wrestling with the cable in my room (which, by the way, was the size of my pinky. Seriously? Is that what they had on clearance?) before I just gave up and defaulted to the Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! Which, thankfully, was decent-ish. But the promise of a LAN connection felt… misleading.
- Soundproofing: They say the place is "soundproof," and I’m not sure. My neighbor seemed to have a nocturnal habit of vacuuming – I swear, I thought I'd walked into a hotel for competitive vacuuming, but this is Cambodia, not a vacuum convention!
- The Bathroom: The bathroom was stunning. Big, modern, and the Shower was a powerful, glorious thing. However, the water pressure sometimes decided to go on strike, leaving me feeling like I was showering in a gentle drizzle. Which, honestly, after a hot day wasn't so bad.
- But the room had everything you could want: Desk, Mini bar, Fridge, Safe.
Food, Glorious Food…and Drink!
This is where One Residence really shines. Restaurants, bar and snack bar everywhere! Let's start with the Breakfast Buffet. Oh. My. Goodness. The Asian options were divine. Asian Breakfast? Check! I'm talking steaming bowls of pho, fluffy rice, and enough fresh fruit to make a monkey jealous. Then the Western Breakfast, well. The eggs Benedict were a revelation, although occasionally the yolk felt like a solid puck.
They have restaurants all over the place, ranging from the a-la-carte menu to a casual buffet. The service is incredibly attentive, and the staff is super-friendly. I felt like I could eat all day.
I loved the Poolside Bar, a perfect place to wash away the grit and grime of the day. The cocktails were expertly crafted, and the happy hour was seriously tempting.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: A Luxurious Escape
Okay, I'm not gonna lie, the Pool with View is the thing. It’s gorgeous, the water is inviting, and the whole vibe is pure relaxation. I spent a solid afternoon lounging there, pretending I was Audrey Hepburn on a getaway. They have the whole spa package as well, from Sauna to Massage, Body Scrub, Body Wrap and everything under the sun.
Fitness Center? Yup. Gym/Fitness? You guessed it. I bravely attempted the treadmill (after a severe dose of carbs from the buffet), and the equipment seemed well-maintained.
Cleanliness and Safety - Feeling Safe and (Mostly) Sound
In the post-COVID world, it's more important than ever to consider cleanliness and safety. One Residence seems to take this seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Seems like it. I felt safe, and appreciated the effort. Of course, the presence of CCTV in Common Areas and Outside Property did make me feel a bit like Big Brother was watching, but hey, safety first, right?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Sustenance and Sips
I am still drooling when I think about the Restaurants. A la carte? Check. Buffet? Check. Poolside bar? Double check. Happy Hour? Triple check! I probably drank my weight in margaritas. I've got a soft spot for Coffee shop too, I really enjoyed the coffee.
Services and Conveniences: The Extras That Elevate
One Residence is packed with services. Concierge? Check. Doorman? Check. Laundry service? Check. They also have currency exchange, which is super helpful. Food delivery? Check. And, most importantly, 24-hour Room Service? Absolutely check! Because, let's be honest, sometimes you just need a late-night plate of fries.
Getting Around: Navigating Phnom Penh
They offer Airport transfer which is super convenient. They have a Parking lot, that is Free of charge, which is a huge win in a city that's all about traffic. Taxi service is readily available.
For the Kids: Family Friendly (I Think)
I didn't bring any kids with me, but the hotel seems pretty Family/Child Friendly. Babysitting service? Check. I saw a few families happily splashing in the pool.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and Why I'm Still Obsessed
Okay, so One Residence isn’t perfect. The LAN cable drama, the occasional water pressure woes, the soundproofing… (although the competitive vacuuming might have been more of a Phnom Penh experience than a hotel flaw). But despite all that, there's something truly special about this place.
Maybe it's the staff, who are unfailingly polite and helpful, even when I was being that guest, perpetually lost and asking for directions to the nearest temple. Maybe it's the sheer luxuriousness of the rooms, that amazing view from the pool, or the sheer, overwhelming beauty of the food.
Here’s the raw truth: I was genuinely sad to leave. I felt like I had become part of the staff. They were my friends. The hotel, in all its imperfect glory, has a soul. It’s a place that feels like a true escape, a haven in the bustling chaos of Phnom Penh. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. In fact, I'm already planning my return. One Residence, you've got me. You win.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly-photoshopped Instagram travel feed. This is the real Phnom Penh, messy hair, questionable street food choices and all, experienced from the, ahem, luxurious confines of One Residence Hotel & Apartment. Prepare for a rollercoaster.
Phnom Penh: Surviving the City, One Tuk-Tuk Ride at a Time (A Messy Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival – Jet Lag and a Seriously Questionable Smoothie
- 10:00 AM (ish): Landed in Phnom Penh! After the usual airport shuffle (passport control, the frantic search for the luggage carousel), I emerged blinking into the humid Cambodian air. Honestly, the heat hit me like a brick. Instantly regretted wearing the long-sleeved shirt. Note to self: pack smarter next time.
- 11:00 AM: Taxi chaos. Negotiating with drivers… oh, the joy. Finally haggled down to a reasonable price for a ride to One Residence. The hotel looks amazing online, Modern high-rise in the heart of the city, promising views and all that jazz.
- 12:00 PM: Check-in. The lobby is indeed sleek. I am really trying to embrace the luxury, and then i found out that the room is not ready yet. Ugh. Fine i will go into the pool first. Oh, the pool looks great. The welcome drink tasted like a watered-down version of something vaguely fruity.
- 1:00 PM: Ordered lunch at the hotel's cafe. It was supposed to be a "healthy" smoothie. More like a sugar bomb of mystery fruit and what tasted suspiciously like chalk. My stomach is already starting to rumble defensively. Still, the view from the table is decent, gazing over the city and over the chaos below.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Room Is Ready! Finally, a haven. The apartment is nice – big windows, a comfy bed that is calling my name. The jet lag hits me like a truck. After 20 minutes of "contemplating" the bed, i succumb. Sleep is a sweet, delicious void.
- 6:00 PM: Woke up groggy and disoriented. Okay, time to face the streets. I'll get my bearings.
- 7:00 PM: Stumbled out of the hotel, determined to find dinner. Wandered in the general direction of the riverfront. Got hopelessly lost. Ended up in a bustling street market – sensory overload! The smells of fried things (delicious and terrifying) and the constant honking of tuk-tuks were overwhelming.
- 8:00 PM: Found a random food stall. Ordered what looked like some kind of noodles. Probably a mistake. Ate it anyway because i am a very hungry traveler and i'm also tired of deciding and thinking.
- 9:00 PM: Managed to find a tuk-tuk back to the hotel. Haggling was a blur of gestures and numbers. Found a driver with a great handlebar mustache. Wondered if he's a spy.
Day 2: Temples, Trauma, and a Tuk-Tuk with Personality
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Avoiding the suspect smoothie this time. Settled for toast and fruit. The service is somewhat slow, but the view is wonderful.
- 10:00 AM: Visited Wat Phnom. Beautiful temple, but the crowds are a bit much. I'm not a huge fan of jostling for the perfect Instagram shot. I want to experience, not to display.
- 11:00 AM: Decided to take a tuk-tuk. Found a guy with the best tuk-tuk i have ever seen. The driver, “Mr. Smile” (that's what he called himself, anyway), was an absolute legend. He had a booming laugh, a collection of lucky charms dangling from the mirror, and a playlist that ranged from Cambodian pop to the occasional unexpected blast of 80s glam rock. We just cruised around, happy to have found each other.
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: The Killing Fields (Choeung Ek). Honestly, this was a profoundly disturbing and heartbreaking experience. The audio guide was essential, but the weight of the history… the sheer brutality… it just hung in the air. I'm not going to sugarcoat it. It was a gut punch. I needed a good cry and a long, quiet moment after that.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21). The former high school repurposed into a Khmer Rouge prison. Similar to the Killing Fields, but I have to say, the experience felt even more intense, due to its indoor location, in the former classroom and the photos of the many people that lived and died there. This trip is getting more and more heavy.
- 4:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Just needed to sit and breathe for a while. The weight of what I witnessed is still heavy.
- 6:00 PM: Mr. Smile to the rescue! Needed something to lift my spirits. He took me to a local restaurant for dinner – a place he swore by. The food was cheap, delicious, and completely authentic. I'm not sure what I ate, but it was amazing.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Then, he insisted on taking me to "the best bar in Phnom Penh." (Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.) It was a dive bar with a karaoke machine and a clientele that seemed to have stumbled in from another dimension. Still, Mr. Smile belted out "Bohemian Rhapsody" with such gusto that I couldn't help but smile. I loved the bar and Mr. Smile.
- 9:30 PM: Back at the hotel. Exhausted, emotionally drained, but strangely exhilarated. Phnom Penh is a city of contrasts.
Day 3: Markets, Massages, and a Lesson in Laundry
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Scrambled eggs this time. Playing it safe.
- 10:00 AM: Central Market (Phsar Thmey). The architecture is beautiful, but the sheer volume of stuff is… a lot. I got hopelessly lost for an hour, desperately searching for a bottle of water. Found one. Felt like a hero.
- 11:00 AM: Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung). Haggling for souvenirs. Failed miserably. Paid way too much for a silk scarf. Oh well.
- 12:00 PM: Hotel. I have another problem. I put dirty towels on top the clean towels. I had to wash my clothes myself.
- 2:00 PM: Massage. Needed it. My body, my soul and even my spirit had all of a sudden decided to give out. The Khmer massage was fantastic. The masseuse was tiny but fierce. She found knots I didn't even know existed. I think I spent half the time giggling and half the time wincing in pain. Definitely worth it.
- 4:00 PM: Pool time. Just floating and relaxing. The sun is shining, the city feels far to my left.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Ordered room service. The Pad Thai was surprisingly good.
- 7:00 PM: Packing. Leaving tomorrow. Already feeling strangely sad to leave. This crazy, chaotic city has somehow wormed its way into my heart.
Day 4: Departure - Farewell, Phnom Penh, and a Promise to Return
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. One last attempt at that smoothie. Nope. Still tastes like chalk.
- 10:00 AM: Final walk around the hotel. Said my goodbyes to the pool.
- 11:00 AM: Checking out. The staff is incredibly polite and helpful. Said goodbye to the very nice staff
- 12:00 PM: Airport again.
- 1:00 PM: Departure.
- 5:00 PM: On the plane.
- 6:00 PM: The plane is flying.
- 7:00 PM: Flying over land.
- 8:00 PM: Landed on London
Phnom Penh, despite the questionable smoothie choices and the emotional rollercoaster, has been an experience to remember. I'm going to miss the chaos, the friendly faces, and the unforgettable tuk-tuk rides with Mr. Smile. I will be back. Just need to mentally and financially prepare.
P.S. Bring bug spray. Seriously.
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One Residence: The Phnom Penh Adventure - FAQs (and a Whole Lotta Opinions)
Okay, spill. Is One Residence ACTUALLY as amazing as the Instagram photos imply?
Alright, let's be honest. Instagram? Pure fantasy. One Residence, though… *some* of the photos are, you know, maybe a *little* enhanced. But listen, I JUST got back. And the views? Yeah, the views are kinda… *breathtaking*. Think panoramic cityscapes, sunsets that'll make you weep (in a good way, mostly), and a pool that looks infinitely more inviting in real life than it does on your phone screen. Seriously, I spent a whole afternoon just staring at the horizon from the rooftop bar, and my brain basically melted into a puddle of happy vibes.
BUT. And there's always a but, isn't there? The elevator? Sometimes feels like it's auditioning for a silent film. You might get stuck… I didn't, thankfully, but witnessed a minor "situation" involving a frantic British couple and a very unhelpful button. Let's just say, pack your patience. And maybe some emergency snacks. You never know.
Rooms: Cozy Cave or Luxurious Lair? Tell me the truth, deep inside.
My room? Okay, I booked the "deluxe" thingy, and it was… *pretty* deluxe. The bed was the kind you sink into, the AC worked like a dream (essential, trust me, it is Phnom Penh after all), and the bathroom? Spotless. Honestly, I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge), and I was genuinely impressed. The toiletries were decent, which is a win in my book. You know how some places give you those tiny, sad little soaps? Not here. *Excellent* news.
But… (there's that word again!)… the soundproofing? Let's just say I got to know my neighbors VERY well. Heard their late-night karaoke session (WHY?!) and their early-morning, enthusiastic phone calls. Pack earplugs. Seriously. Save yourself. Also, the lighting in the room was a bit… dim. Perfect for romance, maybe, but less ideal for, say, actually *seeing* what you're packing.
Food, Glorious Food! Was the breakfast buffet worth battling the other guests for?
Oh, the buffet. Alright, here’s the deal: It's good. Really good. The fruit was fresh, the pastries were flaky, and the coffee… okay, the coffee was a little weak, but hey, you're in Cambodia, not a Parisian cafe. A good start. The noodles are solid, the omelet station is a lifesaver.
The Battle of the Buffet, though? That's a different story. It's an experience. Think: hungry tourists circling the bacon like vultures, grabby hands reaching for the last croissant, and a general sense of controlled chaos. I saw one woman, bless her heart, practically *attack* a plate of sausages. I'm not judging, I was tempted myself, the smell was intoxicating. So, yes, it's worth it if you go in prepared for the Hunger Games.
The Pool: Did you spend your whole life there (or at least, most of it)?
The pool? Oh, the pool. THAT, my friends, is the reason you book One Residence. It's stunning. Picture this: shimmering turquoise water, a perfect temperature, surrounded by comfy sun loungers, and, again, those incredible city views. I kid you not, I spent hours there. I read a book, I napped, I drank cocktails (try the mojito!). It was pure bliss.
The only downside? It gets crowded. REALLY crowded. Seriously, it might be tough to snag a lounger during peak hours. Get there early. Or be prepared to stalk people. Just kidding… mostly. The staff does try to manage it, but it's a popular spot. But the experience is still heavenly, even with the people around.
Location, Location, Location! Is it actually convenient, or is it a sweaty trek to everything?
Okay, the location is… good. It's not *right* in the thick of the action, which can be a plus (less noise, potentially). But it's close enough to get to the Royal Palace, the riverfront, and all the restaurants and bars you could possibly want. Tuk-tuks are everywhere, and they're cheap, so getting around is a breeze.
However… walking in Phnom Penh? Not always a joy. The sidewalks can be, um, challenging. And the heat is intense. So, yes, it's convenient, but embrace the tuk-tuk life. Your sweaty self will thank you.
Staff: Angels or Aliens? (Helpful or…not-so-much?)
The staff were, on the whole, lovely. Friendly, helpful, and genuinely seemed to want you to have a good time. They were always smiling, and they spoke English well enough to handle everything from booking a massage to giving directions.
I did have one minor… incident. My key card stopped working. At 1 AM. After a long and exhausting travel day, I stumbled to the front desk, bleary-eyed and desperate for sleep. The night clerk? Bless his soul, he was new. It took a while. Let's just say, teamwork was vital at that moment. But eventually, I got back into my room. So, yeah, mostly angels. With occasional glitches.
The Rooftop Bar: Worth the Hype (and the Pricey Drinks)?
YES. Absolutely, positively YES. The view from the rooftop bar is just… sublime. Especially at sunset. The cocktails are a bit pricier than you'll find at the street-side bars, but you're paying for the ambiance, the view and a fantastic service. The vibe is great, music is good. Worth it? For that view? Absolutely. It's where you'll want to be, no matter what.
I spent a whole evening there, and I can count the smiles on my face. I wanted to shout from a rooftop but it I was on one already. The food is delicious, the service fantastic.
What's the ONE thing you'd change about One Residence? (Besides, you know, world peace.)
Alright, if I HAD to pick ONE thing… Noise control. Especially the late-night shenanigans of my neighbors. I'm a light sleeper, and let me tell you, I heard *everything*. A little better soundproofing would make the whole experience exponentially better.
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